איילת אהבים [Aiyelet Ahavim] [English translation]

Say, oh lovely hind,

Why have you covered thy head with a purple shawl?

Why are thy eyelashes wistful,

And thy neck is as hunched as a stalk?

"At my wedding, my beloved has put

A ring of gold and ruby upon my finger.

At night, he has sailed with his ship,

Taking my heart along with him."

Say, oh lovely hind,

Who, who knows of his whereabouts?

What for have you gazed upon the stars,

And what has your beloved sent you from his travels?

"A white letter he has sent

From a port city up north.

He said, 'I shall return within a year.

Wait for me, Love, I shall come.'"

For naught you gazed upon the stars,

Long now are the nights.

Wind blows among the clouds

And summer has come to its end.

Even if thy beloved shall travel far

And long shall be his road,

Wherever can he find another

Pair of eyes such as these?

Say, oh lovely hind,

Why have you covered thy head with a purple shawl?

Why are thy eyelashes wistful,

And thy neck is as hunched as a stalk?